Multi-area grouping

ABSTRACT

A first media device, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for multi-area grouping of devices. The first media device includes a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor detects a second media device that is not subscribed to the media group. The processor assigns the detected second media device to the media group. The processor determines a total amount of media devices in the media group. The processor recommends a multi-channel configuration for the media group based on the determined total amount of media devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/491,231 filed on Apr. 27, 2017,title “COLOR GROUPING.” The above-identified provisional patentapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to multi-area grouping. Morespecifically, this disclosure relates to grouping devices in multiplezones using different wireless technologies.

BACKGROUND

Current multi-room/multi-device audio/video (A/V) systems rely on theuser to manually group, name, and label their A/V devices where themanual creation of “groups” of devices with arbitrary names addscomplexity to first time setup and subsequent operation of the system.For example, two speakers in the same room might be grouped together asleft/right, whereas two speakers in different rooms might be groupedtogether as “Zone 1”. The user is left to determine for themselves theappropriate channel configurations for their speakers and then destroyor recreate these groups any time they want to modify that grouping anduse the multi-room functionality.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides for multi-area grouping of devices.

In a first embodiment, a first media device provides for multi-areagrouping of devices. The first media device includes a transceiver and aprocessor coupled to the transceiver. The processor detects a secondmedia device that is not subscribed to the media group. The processorassigns the detected second media device to the media group. Theprocessor determines a total amount of media devices in the media group.The processor recommends a multi-channel configuration for the mediagroup based on the determined total amount of media devices.

In a second embodiment, a method provides for multi-area grouping ofdevices. The method includes detecting a media device that is notsubscribed to a media group. The method further includes assigning thedetected media device to the media group, determining a total amount ofmedia devices in the media group, and recommending a multi-channelconfiguration for the media group based on the determined total amountof media devices.

In a third embodiment, a non-transitory medium embodying a computerprogram provides for multi-area grouping of devices. The program code,when executed by at least one processor, causes a processor to detect asecond media device that is not subscribed to a media group. The programcode, when executed by at least one processor, further causes aprocessor to assign the detected second media device to the media group.The program code, when executed by at least one processor, furthercauses a processor to determine a total amount of media devices in themedia group. The program code, when executed by at least one processor,further causes a processor to recommend a multi-channel configurationfor the media group based on the determined total amount of mediadevices.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivativesrefer to any direct or indirect communication between two or moreelements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with oneanother. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well asderivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication.The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, meaninclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaningand/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof,means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, becontained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicablewith, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be boundto or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, orthe like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items,means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items maybe used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “atleast one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations:A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented orsupported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed fromcomputer readable program code and embodied in a computer readablemedium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or morecomputer programs, software components, sets of instructions,procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or aportion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computerreadable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code”includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code,and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes anytype of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as readonly memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, acompact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type ofmemory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired,wireless, optical, or other communication links that transporttransitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computerreadable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored andmedia where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as arewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughoutthis patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply toprior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication system in which variousembodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example server according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example electronic device according to embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow of adding a single device into agroup according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow of adding multiple devices into agroup according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate examples device configuration knowledgeaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example user interface according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example interfaces of adding groups to an activegrouping according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of regrouping devices according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example switching of the UI controls based on acharacter of a proximity device according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system with distinctive indicatorsemployed to identify various content that is currently consumed by thegroups of devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of recommendations for variousmulti-channel systems or recommendations for adjustment of deviceposition or orientation according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example process for a first time set up of adevice according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example process for a subsequent devicesetup in a group according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example process for a basic playback of contenton a device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example process for sending content to multiplegroups according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an example process for taking control of a devicecurrently playing alternative content according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 18, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of this disclosure in this patent document areby way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way tolimit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the principles of this disclosure may be implemented inany suitably arranged Internet of things system.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication system 100 in which variousembodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The embodimentof the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustrationonly. Other embodiments of the communication system 100 could be usedwithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a network 102, whichfacilitates communication between various components in the system 100.For example, the network 102 may communicate Internet Protocol (IP)packets, frame relay frames, or other information between networkaddresses. The network 102 may include one or more local area networks(LANs); metropolitan area networks (MANs); wide area networks (WANs);all or a portion of a global network, such as the Internet; or any othercommunication system or systems at one or more locations.

The network 102 facilitates communications between various servers 103and 104 and various electronic devices 106-114. Each server 104 includesany suitable computing or processing device that can provide computingservices for one or more electronic devices. Each server 104 could, forexample, include one or more processors, one or more memories storinginstructions and data, and one or more network interfaces facilitatingcommunication over the network 102.

Each electronic device 106-114 represents any suitable computing orcommunication device that interacts with at least one server or othercomputing device(s) over the network 102. In this example, theelectronic devices 106-114 include electronic devices, such as, forexample, a desktop computer 106, a mobile telephones or smartphones 108,a personal digital assistant (PDA) 110, a smart television 111, a laptopcomputer 112, a smart speaker 113, a tablet computer 114, a headset, adisplay, a wearable device, smart watch, etc. However, any other oradditional electronic devices could be used in the communication system100.

In this example, some electronic devices 108-114 communicate indirectlywith the network 102. For example, the electronic devices 108-110communicate via one or more base stations 120, such as cellular basestations or eNodeBs. Also, the electronic devices 112-114 communicatevia one or more wireless access points (APs) 118, such as IEEE 802.11wireless APs, Bluetooth, and WiFi direct. Note that these are forillustration only and that each electronic device could communicatedirectly with the network 102 or indirectly with the network 102 via anysuitable intermediate device(s) or network(s). For example, thetelevision 111 and speaker 113 could communicate with the tabletcomputer 114 over a Bluetooth connection and communicate with otherdevices including the servers 103 and 104 over Wi-Fi.

As described in more detail below, the electronic devices 108-114interact to form multi-area groups for playing content. While electronicdevices 108-114 are described as forming multi-area groups for playingcontent, servers 103 and 104 could also be utilized for formingmulti-area groups for playing content.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a communication system 100,various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the system 100 couldinclude any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. Ingeneral, computing and communication systems come in a wide variety ofconfigurations, and FIG. 1 does not limit the scope of this disclosureto any particular configuration. While FIG. 1 illustrates oneoperational environment in which various features disclosed in thispatent document can be used, these features could be used in any othersuitable system.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate example electronic devices in a communicationsystem according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Inparticular, FIG. 2 illustrates an example server 200, and FIG. 3illustrates an example electronic device 300. The server 200 couldrepresent the server 103 or the server 104 in FIG. 1, and the electronicdevice 300 could represent one or more of the client devices 106-114 inFIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 200 includes a bus system 205, whichsupports communication between at least one processor 210, at least onestorage device 215, at least one communications unit 220, and at leastone input/output (I/O) unit 225.

The processor 210 executes instructions that may be loaded into a memory230. The processor 210 may include any suitable number(s) and type(s) ofprocessors or other devices in any suitable arrangement. Example typesof processor 210 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digitalsignal processors, field programmable gate arrays, application specificintegrated circuits, and discreet circuitry.

The memory 230 and a persistent storage 235 are examples of storagedevices 215, which represent any structure(s) capable of storing andfacilitating retrieval of information (such as data, program code,and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis).The memory 230 may represent a random access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device(s). The persistentstorage 235 may contain one or more components or devices supportinglonger-term storage of data, such as a ready only memory, hard drive,flash memory, or optical disc.

The communications unit 220 supports communications with other systemsor devices. For example, the communications unit 220 could include anetwork interface card or a wireless transceiver facilitatingcommunications over the network 102. The communications unit 220 maysupport communications through any suitable physical or wirelesscommunication link(s).

The I/O unit 225 allows for input and output of data. For example, theI/O unit 225 may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard,mouse, keypad, touchscreen, or other suitable input device. The I/O unit225 may also send output to a display, printer, or other suitable outputdevice.

Note that while FIG. 2 is described as representing the server 104 ofFIG. 1, the same or similar structure could be used in one or more ofthe client devices 106-114. For example, a laptop or desktop computercould have the same or similar structure as that shown in FIG. 2.

As described in more detail below, the communications unit 220 receivesa data regarding the multi-area groups to be stored into storage device215, each from a different electronic device 108-114. The server 200uses the processor 210 to manage operations of the application,different device groups, and content.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device 300 includes an antenna 305, aradio frequency (RF) transceiver 310, transmit (TX) processing circuitry315, a microphone 320, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 325. Theelectronic device 300 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, aninput/output (I/O) interface (IF) 345, an input 350, a display 355, anda memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) program361 and one or more applications 362.

The RF transceiver 310 receives, from the antenna 305, an incoming RFsignal transmitted by another component in a system. The RF transceiver310 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediatefrequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is sent tothe RX processing circuitry 325, which generates a processed basebandsignal by filtering, decoding, and/or digitizing the baseband or IFsignal. The RX processing circuitry 325 transmits the processed basebandsignal to the speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or to the processor340 for further processing (such as for web browsing data).

The TX processing circuitry 315 receives analog or digital voice datafrom the microphone 320 or other outgoing baseband data (such as webdata, e-mail, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340.The TX processing circuitry 315 encodes, multiplexes, and/or digitizesthe outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IFsignal. The RF transceiver 310 receives the outgoing processed basebandor IF signal from the TX processing circuitry 315 and up-converts thebaseband or IF signal to an RF signal that is transmitted via theantenna 305.

The processor 340 can include one or more processors or other processorsand execute the OS program 361 stored in the memory 360 in order tocontrol the overall operation of the electronic device 300. For example,the processor 340 could control the reception of forward channel signalsand the transmission of reverse channel signals by the RF transceiver310, the RX processing circuitry 325, and the TX processing circuitry315 in accordance with well-known principles. In some embodiments, theprocessor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

The processor 340 is also capable of executing other processes andprograms resident in the memory 360. The processor 340 can move datainto or out of the memory 360 as required by an executing process. Insome embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to execute theapplications 362 based on the OS program 361 or in response to signalsreceived from external devices or an operator. The processor 340 is alsocoupled to the I/O interface 345, which provides the electronic device300 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptopcomputers and handheld computers. The I/O interface 345 is thecommunication path between these accessories and the processor 340.

The processor 340 is also coupled to the input 350 and the display 355.The operator of the electronic device 300 can use the input 350 (e.g.,keypad, touchscreen, button etc.) to enter data into the electronicdevice 300. The display 355 may be a liquid crystal display, alight-emitting diode (LED) display, an optical LED (OLED), an activematrix OLED (AMOLED), or other display capable of rendering text and/orat least limited graphics, such as from web sites.

The memory 360 is coupled to the processor 340. Part of the memory 360could include a random access memory (RAM), and another part of thememory 360 could include a Flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

As described in more detail below, the transceiver 310 transmits orreceives signals for multi-area grouping of device and playback ofcontent. The electronic device 300 performs multi-area grouping tasksand playback of content.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate examples of devices in a communicationsystem, various changes may be made to FIGS. 2 and 3. For example,various components in FIGS. 2 and 3 could be combined, furthersubdivided, or omitted and additional components could be addedaccording to particular needs. As a particular example, the processor340 could be divided into multiple processors, such as one or morecentral processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processingunits (GPUs). Also, while FIG. 3 illustrates the electronic device 300configured as a mobile telephone or smartphone, electronic devices couldbe configured to operate as other types of mobile or stationary devices.In addition, as with computing and communication networks, electronicdevices and servers can come in a wide variety of configurations, andFIGS. 2 and 3 do not limit this disclosure to any particular electronicdevice or server.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow 400 of adding a single device into agroup according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,the flow 400 depicted in FIG. 4 may be performed by the electronicdevice 106-114 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3.

A media device can describe any of the electronic devices 106-114 inFIG. 1, the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3. The media device can runthe application 362 as either a master device or as content device in agroup, such as a speaker, display, television, etc. As a master device,the media device can control the content or other media device in agroup for playback of content. As a content device, the media deviceplays back the content indicated by the master device and received froma different source, such as a URL. The media device includes a displayedindication of the content stream corresponding to a group that the mediadevice is assigned to and changes the content stream by selecting a newindication.

In operation 405, the multi area grouping application 362 detects amedia device connecting to a Wi-Fi network where the multi-area groupingapplication 362 is operating. The multi-area grouping application canautomatically recognize a new media device connected to the Wi-Fi or beinstructed by a user that a new media device is being added to themulti-area grouping.

In operation 410, the multi area grouping application 362 connects tothe new media device. The application 362 controls the media device toemit a tone indicating that the new media device is connected and readyfor adding to a group. The application 362 displays a list of groups 411to a user for selection of the group to be added. The application canname the groups to easily identify each group, for example byassociating the groups with specific rooms in a dwelling. If a new group411 is selected, a name is suggested by the application 362.

In operation 415, the multi area grouping application 362 determineswhether there are any other speakers currently assigned for the group411 selected by the user. The application 362 can check the group fromstorage devices 215 on a server 200 or in the memory 360 of theelectronic device 300.

In operation 420, the multi area grouping application 362 performssurface appropriate grouping action depending on how many speakers orother media devices are in the area. The application 362 searchesthrough a grouping table for the appropriate grouping action, such as agrouping table illustrated in FIG. 6.

In operation 425, the multi area grouping application 362 recommends aname for the new media device. Once a group is selected, a name for themedia device is recommended, but could also be customized by the user.The recommendation can be based on the area selection, the devicesalready assigned to the group, the type and/or model of the existingdevices and the new media device, and/or potential relationships betweenthe existing devices and the new media device. The relationship may bebased on playback content commonly support, a physical relationshipbetween the existing device and the new media device, and/or position orlocation of the new media device within the grouping area, etc.

In operation 430, the multi area grouping application 362 completes thesetup of the new media device. The new media device is ready for usewith the selected group 411.

Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow 400 for adding a singledevice into a group, various changes could be made to FIG. 4. Forexample, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figurecould overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occurmultiple times.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow 500 of adding multiple devices into agroup according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,the flow 500 depicted in FIG. 5 may be performed by the electronicdevice 106-114 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3.

In operation 505, the multi area grouping application 362 detects amedia device connecting to a Wi-Fi network where the multi-area groupingapplication 362 is operating. The multi-area grouping application canautomatically recognize a new media device connected to the Wi-Fi or beinstructed by a user that a new media device is being added to themulti-area grouping.

In operation 510, the multi area grouping application 362 connects tothe new media device. The application 362 controls the media device toemit a tone indicating that the new media device is connected and readyfor adding to a group. The application 362 displays a list of groups 511to a user for selection of the group to be added. The application canname the groups to easily identify each group, for example byassociating the groups with specific areas in a dwelling. If a new group511 is selected, a name is suggested by the application 362.

In operation 515, the multi area grouping application 362 determines theamount of speakers currently assigned for the group 511 selected by theuser. The application 362 can check the group from storage devices 215on a server 200 or in the memory 360 of the electronic device 300.

In operation 520, the multi area grouping application 362 determinesthat there are no other media devices in the selected group 511. Theapplication 362 searches through a grouping table for the appropriategrouping action.

In operation 525, the multi area grouping application 362 recommendssetup for the new media device and the other media devices in the groupbased on the character of the new media device and the number ofexisting devices currently in the group 411. For example, when theapplication 362 determines that the new media device is a speaker and asecond speaker previously exist in the selected group 411, theapplication can recommend a stereo configuration to the user.

In operation 530, the multi area grouping application 362 recommends aname for the new media device. Once a group is selected, a name for themedia device is recommended, but could also be customized by the user.The recommendation can be based on the area selection, the devicesalready assigned to the group, the type and/or model of the existingdevices and the new media device, and/or potential relationships betweenthe existing devices and the new media device. The relationship may bebased on playback content commonly support, a physical relationshipbetween the existing device and the new media device, and/or position orlocation of the new media device within the grouping area, etc.

In operation 535, the multi area grouping application 362 completes thesetup of the new media device. The new media device is ready for usewith the selected group 511.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates an example flow 500 for adding multipledevices into a group, various changes could be made to FIG. 5. Forexample, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figurecould overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occurmultiple times.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate examples device configuration knowledge 600 and700 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodimentsof the device configuration knowledge 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and thedevice configuration knowledge 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 are forillustration only. FIGS. 6 and 7 do not limit the scope of thisdisclosure to any particular embodiment of an electronic device.

The device configuration knowledge 600 is illustrated as a table withdifferent combinations of media devices, such as TVs 605, sound bars610, and speakers 615. Depending on the amount of each media device, theapplication 362 can display a recommended group configuration 620 andcall the setup flow 625 for the recommended group configuration 620.

The device configuration knowledge 700 is illustrated as a chart withrows identified by the characterization of the device in the group, suchas speakers only 705, television and speakers 710, and television orsound bar with speakers or sound bar with speakers 715. The columnsdetermine the operation configuration with the devices in the groupbased on the amount of devices, such as multiple speakers acting as onebody 720, one speaker 725, two speakers 730, three speakers 735, fourspeakers 740, or five speakers 745. Depending on the amount of detectedmedia devices, the UI presents a recommended group configuration. Forexample, when a TV and one speaker in the group, the UI presents therecommend locations for the TV and the speaker, or presents arecommended location for the speaker in relation to the television. Therecommendations are further customized for areas that have been definedeither by a user or some other spatial recognition method. In situationswhere multiple speaker recommendations exist, such as a television withtwo speakers, the UI could present multiple configuration by splittingthe screen or having a different page for each configuration. Thetelevisions with two speakers could be set up as the television with thetwo speakers in the front or the television in the front and thespeakers set up in the back for surround sound.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example user interface 800 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the userinterface 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 is for illustration only. FIG. 8does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular embodimentof an electronic device.

The user interface 800 includes media content 805, active group(s) 810,non-active group(s) 815, content control 820, and speaker controls 825.The user interface 800 provides easy content and group control.

The media content 805 is displayed on the user interface 800. The mediacontent 805 is a representation of the content being played on theactive group(s) 810. For example, an album cover or song cover alongwith the song title, artist, and other information of the can bedisplayed when the media content is audio content.

The active group(s) 810 includes the group(s) of devices that have beenselected by the user to play the media content 805. The active group(s)810 includes information such as speaker level 811, group name 812, andan unselect icon 813. The speaker level 811 can indicate that sound isplaying or indicate the volume level set for the specific group. Thegroup name 812 indicates the group selected. The unselect icon 813allows the user to change the group to a non-active group 815.

The non-active group(s) 815 is displayed separately from the activegroup(s) 810. The non-active group(s) 815 is groups that have beensetup, but have not been selected for outputting the specific mediacontent or are groups that are currently being used by other instancesof the application 362. The non-active group(s) includes informationsuch as speaker level 811, group name 812, and a select icon 816. Thespeaker level 811 can indicate that none of the current media content isbeing played using the group, the volume level of the previous action ofthe group, or the volume level being used by the other instance of theapplication 362. The select icon 816 allows the user to change the groupto an active group 810.

The content control 820 is used to control the selected media. Thecontent control 820 can launch a separate interface for control of thecontent or be used to directly control the content. More than onecontent control 820 can be displayed on the user interface 800. Thecontent control can include any feature related to the content, such aspause/play, rewind, mute, previous/next content, etc.

The device control 825 is used to adjust the settings of a selectedgroup, whether active 810 or non-active 815. The device control 825 canlaunch a separate interface for control of the devices within a selectedgroup. For example, the device control can change device configurations,add or remove specific devices from a group, etc. The device control 825is described in greater detail in regards to FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 illustrates example interfaces 900, 901, 902 of adding groups toan active grouping according to embodiments of the present disclosure.The embodiment of the interfaces 900, 901, and 902 illustrated in FIG. 9are for illustration only. FIG. 9 does not limit the scope of thisdisclosure to any particular embodiment of an electronic device.

The interfaces 900, 901, 902 include an add-all icon 905, remove-allicon 910, an edit-group icon 915, settings icon 920. The add-all icon905 adds active all groups at one time. If some groups had already beenselected, the remaining groups will also be selected. The remove-allicon 910 removes de-select active groups. The edit-groups icon 915allows a user to edit the selected group. The settings icon 920 allowsthe user to view and change settings of the user interface 900, 901,902.

The user interfaces also include content 925, a first group 931, asecond group 932, and a third group 933. Interface 900 has all threegroups 931, 932, 933 in an inactive state. Interface 901 activates thefirst group 931, but the second group 932 and the third group 933 remainin an inactive state. Interface 902 activates the second ground 932 withthe first group 931 already activated, while the third group 933 remainsinactive. The interface 902 plays the content simultaneously on thefirst group 931 and the second group 932.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of regrouping devices 1000 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the regroupingdevices 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 is for illustration only. FIG. 10does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular embodimentof an electronic device.

Interface 1001 includes a manage-group icon 1005. The manage-group icon1005 displays an interface 1002, which further displays an add-deviceicon 1010, and the groups 1015 with the devices 1020 in the groups, anda done icon 1025. The add-device icon 1010 initiates the application 362to search the Wi-Fi network for a newly connected device. The devices1020 in the groups 1015 can be selected to remove the specific device1020 from the group. The done icon 1025 closes the interface 1002 anddisplay interface 1001.

In certain embodiments, subgroups may be provided based on nature ofcontent supported by the devices. For example, a tablet and a TV may begrouped into Sub1, two speakers are grouped into Sub2, while they areall assigned to the “living room” group. Another example, two speakerson the left side of a room are grouped into Sub3 and the rest of thespeakers are grouped into Sub4. The user is thus able to allow onesource played by devices of Sub3 and another source played by devices ofSub3, when the user tries to compose new content. Other groupings mightinclude a television used as a single Bluetooth device, or a televisiongrouped with two Bluetooth speakers that act as rear surrounds. Subgroups might also reconfigure themselves for portable device, where adevice that has been moved to another room automatically reconfiguresitself to be a part of that room.

In certain embodiments, the user is able to provide a room layoutdescription, and the application 362 recommends device configurationsadaptively. Such configurations could be performed by taking a pictureof the room and converting it to a map, identifying objects that couldaffect the acoustic properties of the room, such as curtains, couches,televisions, etc. Complex multi-room channel creation/tuning could alsobe performed by emitting a ping from each speaker and having a mobiledevice located in the “sweet spot” of the room performs a latency and EQcalibration.

In certain embodiments, a unique indicator is assigned to eachindividual group. The unique indicator can be a color, symbol, number,etc. Content presented onto devices of a group can be associated withthe same unique indicator representing the group. For example, eachdevice in a group would display the same color when the uniqueidentifiers are colors.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example switching 1100 of the UI controls basedon a character of a proximity device according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The embodiments of the switching 1100 illustrated inFIG. 11 is for illustration only. FIG. 11 does not limit the scope ofthis disclosure to any particular embodiment of an electronic device.

The application 362 is capable of switching user interface controlscorresponding to the character of the device in proximity. The smartdevice 1105 is a device running the application 362. When the smartdevice 1105 is near a television, a user interface for control of visualcontent may be presented, as illustrated in frame 1110. For example, theuser interface for control of visual content may include a trackpad orother means for moving between items located on the display, aplay/pause content icon, a next item, previous item, number pad, etc.When the smart device 1105 moves to be near to a speaker, a musicplayback user interface may be presented on the smart device, asillustrated in frame 1115. For example, the music playback userinterface could include a volume bar, a play/pause content icon, nextitem icon, last item icon, an image or other detail related to the audiocurrently playing, a track bar for display of the current time and totaltime of the audio content, etc.

In certain embodiments, the smart device 1105 is able to saveconfiguration history of a group for future references. With thisfeature, the user can freely adjust configuration of devices, and canrevert back to a previous setting. In certain embodiments, the smartdevice 1105 is also able to record each device settings for the group.For example, a volume of a speaker, content level allowed to bepresented at a television, etc. The smart device 1105 regularlyrefreshes devices of a group to remove nonexistent or removed devices.

In certain embodiments, a multi-user control is supported. For example,when another user initializes playing different content on devicesbelonging to Group I, the smart device 1105 will notify her that Group Iis currently being used by another user and prompting both partiesinforming of multi-user control status.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system 1200 with distinctive indicatorsemployed to identify various content that is currently consumed by thegroups of devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.The embodiment of the system 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 is forillustration only. FIG. 12 does not limit the scope of this disclosureto any particular embodiment of an electronic device.

Distinctive indicators 1205 can be used on the user interface and on thedevices themselves to indicate being a member of a group. Colors can beemployed as distinctive indicators 1205 to identify various content thatis currently consumed by the groups of devices. The color representationthe unique content can be the same color as to the color representationthe grouped devices that are consuming the unique content. A new device(or a previously grouped device) is able to be configured to beassociated with a color so that content played by another groupeddevices represented by that color can also be streamed at the new device(or the device that belongs to another group). The new device does notneed to be grouped with the grouped devices, or to join a new groupincluding these grouped devices. A user can just “listen in” to thecolor while the configuration of the existing group maintained. Forexample, two speakers 1211 and 1212 are in a group 1210 named “LivingRoom,” and the two speakers 1211 and 1212 are configured as left/rightstereo. There is a third speaker 1216 in the bedroom 1215, and has beenconfigured as mono. When a user goes to the bedroom, she can just tapthe button on the speaker 1216 or the user interface to change colorrepresentation of speaker 1216 to the color of group “Living Room” 1210to listen to the content played on speakers 1211 and 1212. It works thesame in the mobile app; rather than destroying the group the application362 just “adds” it to the content. Ordinary people skilled in the artwill appreciate that alternative indicator other than color may beapplied to represent or indicate groups.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of recommendations 1300 for variousmulti-channel systems according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The embodiment of the recommendations 1300 illustrated inFIG. 13 is for illustration only. FIG. 13 does not limit the scope ofthis disclosure to any particular embodiment of an electronic device.

Multi-channel setup does not only recommend multi-channel configurationbased on detection of devices, but also recommends a configuration toadjust a device position or orientation to achieve the optimal acousticproperties. Location of the devices 1305 and also obstacles 1310 (e.g.,furniture, structures, etc.) in the same area hosting the devices 1305may be determined based on Bluetooth and ultrasound. For example, for agroup with two speakers positioned apart (for example, a television withspeakers on the sides), the smart device running the application 362will be able to determine distance of other devices (speakers, forexample) and the location of other devices using triangulation based onits own speakers.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example process 1400 for a first time set up of adevice according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,the process 1400 depicted in FIG. 14 may be performed by the electronicdevice 106-114 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3.

In operation 1405, the media device 1401 joins the Wi-Fi networkassociated with the application 362. In operation 1406, a media device1402 is powered on. The media device 1402 is currently unknown to theapplication 362. In operation 1410, the media device 1401 launches theapplication 362. In operation 1415, the media device 1401 connects tothe Wi-Fi network.

In operation 1420, the media device 1401 initializes a pairing process,such as scanning for Bluetooth signals, from the media device 1402 alsoinitializing a pairing process and emitting a Bluetooth ready-to-connectbeacon, in operation 1421. The application receives an indication, suchas a user input for detecting a new device, when a new device is to beconnected to the application or media group. The media device 1402 canalso be operated to initiate a pairing process, such as a usercontrolling. In operation 1425, the media device 1401 identifies themedia device 1402 through the Bluetooth pairing process. The first mediadevice 1401 detects a second media device 1402 that is not connected tothe media group.

In operation 1430, the media device 1401 requests an ultrasonic pingfrom a device or group with the strongest signal and media device 1402.In operation 1431, the media device 1402 emits an ultrasonic ping. Inoperation 1435, the media device 1401 determines whether an ultrasonicping is detected from the device or group with the strongest signal andmedia device 1402. In operation 1440, the media device repeats operation1430 and 1435 with a next strongest media device or group until anultrasonic ping is detected from both the other device and the mediadevice 1402.

In operation 1445, the media device 1401 transmits the Wi-Fi credentialsto the media device 1402 once the ultrasonic ping is detected, and themedia device 1402 joins the Wi-Fi network in operation 1446.

In operation 1450, the media device 1401 assigns the media device 1402to a room or group associated with the device that detected theultrasonic ping.

Although FIG. 14 illustrates an example process 1400 for a first timeset up of a device, various changes could be made to FIG. 14. Forexample, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figurecould overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occurmultiple times.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example process 1500 for a subsequentdevice setup in a group according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. For example, the process 1500 depicted in FIG. 15 may beperformed by the electronic device 106-114 in

FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3.

In operation 1505, the media device 1501 joins the Wi-Fi networkassociated with the application 362. In operation 1506, a first mediadevice 1502 is powered on. In operation 1507, a second media device 1503is plugged in. The media devices 1502 and 1503 are currently unknown tothe application 362. In operation 1510, the media device 1501 launchesthe application 362. In operation 1515, the media device 1501 connectsto the Wi-Fi network.

In operation 1520, the media device 1501 initializes a pairing process,such as scanning for Bluetooth signals, from the media device 1502 alsoinitializing a pairing process and emitting a Bluetooth ready-to-connectbeacon, in operation 1521, and the second media device 1503 initializinga pairing process and emitting a Bluetooth ready-to-connect beacon, inoperation 1522. In operation 1525, the media device 1501 identifies themedia device 1502 through the Bluetooth pairing process.

In operation 1530, the media device 1501 requests an ultrasonic pingfrom a device or group with the strongest signal. The device or groupwith the strongest signal requests the media device 1502 to emit anultrasonic ping. In operation 1531, the media device 1502 emits anultrasonic ping. In operation 1535, the media device 1501 determineswhether the device or group with the strongest signal detects theultrasonic ping. In operation 1540, the media device repeats operation1530 and 1535 with a next strongest media device or group if theultrasonic ping is not detected.

In operation 1545, the media device 1501 transmits the Wi-Fi credentialsto the media device 1502 once the ultrasonic ping is detected, and themedia device 1502 joins the Wi-Fi network in operation 1546.

In operation 1550, the media device 1501 assigns the media device 1502to a room or group associated with the device or group that detected theultrasonic ping.

In operation 1555, the media device 1501 determines whether otherdevices exist in the room or group. The media device 1501 determines atotal amount of media device in the media group. If other devices are inthe room or group, the media device 1501 consults a table, asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in order to suggest a media groupconfiguration for the devices in the room or group in operation 1560.The media device 1501 recommends a multi-channel configuration for themedia group based on the determined total amount of media devices in themedia group. The recommendations for the multi-channel configuration canalso be based on the relative positions of the media devices in themedia group, a content consumption capability supported by the mediadevices in the media group, and/or a physical structure. US PatentApplication No. 2016/0291141 titled “Apparatus and method for measuringdistance and location,” is hereby incorporated by reference. US PatentApplication No. 2017/0123037 title “method for calculating angularposition of peripheral device with respect to electronic apparatus, andperipheral device with function of the same,” is hereby incorporated byreference.

In operation 1565, the media device 1501 creates a new device group.Where the new device group contains all devices in the room or group andis configured to a most suitable channel routing based on what devicesare available and their content playback abilities, relative positions,and/or physical structure.

Although FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example process 1500 for asubsequent device setup in a group, various changes could be made toFIGS. 15A and 15B. For example, while shown as a series of steps,various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur ina different order, or occur multiple times.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example process 1600 for a basic playback ofcontent on a device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.For example, the process 1600 depicted in FIG. 16 may be performed bythe electronic device 106-114 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 inFIG. 3. Device 1601 is referred to as a first device and device 1602 isreferred to as a second device.

In operation 1605, the media device 1601 launches the application toassume control as the master device. The application 362 controls thedevice or group. In operation 1606, the group 1602 allows control of themedia playback via the application 362.

In operation 1610, the media device 1601 queries the playbackcapabilities of the one or more devices in the group 1602 or the group1602 itself In operation 1611, the group 1602 would provide a list ofthe playback capability or accessible content for the group 1602 or eachindividual device in the group 1602. For example, a speaker without adisplay would return an audio-only playback capability, a monitorwithout speakers would return video-only playback capability, and adevice with audio and visual (e.g., a television) would returnaudio-and-video playback ability. The user could manually set in theapplication or within the device reduced functionality for device. Forexample, a television may include a display and speaker. But if thespeakers installed with the television are inferior to other speakers inthe group 1602, the user could turn off the playback capability of thespeakers for the TV while in that group 1602.

In operation 1615, the media device 1601 generates a user interfacecorresponding to reported playback capabilities or available content.The available content can include content stored in the device group1602 or streamed from an external source for the device group 1602.

The first media device queries the media group for playback capabilityor accessible content. The devices in the media group or the media grouptransmit their playback capability and accessible content to the firstmedia device. The first media device receives the indication of theplayback capability or the accessible content from the media devices.The media device displays a user interface that corresponds with thereceived indication of the playback capability or accessible content ofthe media devices. For example, a user interface displays audio controlswhen a speaker is detected, visual controls when a display is detected,and both visual and audio controls when a speaker and displaycombination are detected.

In operation 1620, the media device 1601 receives a selection ofcontent. The media device 1601 receives an indication for playback ofcontent using the media group. The indication can include a play buttonon a particular device in a group or a button on a user interface forthe application 362. The media device can receive the indication as asignal or message from the device that the user initiates the selectionof content. For example, the user can control a speaker using a physicalbutton, touchscreen interface, etc. to activate the content for thegroup. The speaker transmits a signal to other devices in the group or amedia device operating the application to begin playback of the contentor switch to different content.

In operation 1625, a unique indicator is generated for the group. Inoperation 1626, the device group 1602 displays the unique indicator onthe devices to indicate connection. A unique or distinctive indicatorcorresponding to the selected content is applied to the media group. Theapplication 362 controls the media devices in the media group to displaythe distinctive indicator. The distinctive indicator can be a color, asymbol, a number, etc.

In operation 1630, the media device 1601 sends content URL andauthorization token to the target device or the device group 1602. Inoperation 1631, the device group 1602 begins playback of the selectedcontent on the devices included in the device group 1602.

Although FIG. 16 illustrates an example process 1600 for a basicplayback of content on a device, various changes could be made to FIG.16. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in eachfigure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, oroccur multiple times.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example process 1700 for sending content tomultiple groups according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Forexample, the process 1700 depicted in FIG. 17 may be performed by theelectronic device 106-114 in FIG. 1 or the electronic device 300 in FIG.3. Device 1701 is referred to as a first device and device 1702 isreferred to as a second device.

In operations 1705-1711, the application 362 is controlling a device ora group 1702. In operations 1715-1742, the application is controllingplayback to the device or group 1702.

In operation 1705, the media device 1701 generates a unique indicatorcorresponding to selected content. In operation 1706, device or group1702 displays the unique indicator on the devices to indicateconnection.

In operation 1710, the media device 1701 sends a content URL andauthorization token to a target device, such as the device or group1702. In operation 1711, the group 1702 or device 1703 begins playbackof the selected content.

In operation 1715, the media device 1701 opens a device list and viewplayback targets or capabilities in the application 362.

In operation 1720, the media device 1701 receives indication that adevice 1703, which is outside the group 1702, is to also playback theselected content. The indication can be a button on the user interfaceof the application corresponding to the new device 1703. A new group canbe added in a similar fashion on the user interface for the application362.

In operation 1725, the media device 1701 updates the user interface forthe application 362 to show content being played back to both the device1703 and the group 1702.

In operation 1730, the media device 1701 sends the unique indicator fromthe selected content to the new device 1703. In operation 1732, the newdevice 1703 displays the unique indicator to indicate connection to thegroup.

In operation 1735, the media device 1701 sends the content URL andauthorization token, which were previously sent to the group 1702, tothe new device 1703. In operation 1737, the device 1703 begins playbackof the selected content using media device 1701 master clock to syncplayback.

In operation 1741, the media group 1702 controls the master playbackclock. In operation 1742, the device 1703 syncs playback during therunning process to the master clock of group 1702.

In certain embodiments, the media device 1701 can receive a signal fromanother media device of the media group indicating that a seconddistinctive indicator is selected on group 1702 or device 1703. Thesecond device indicator identifies a second content and also identifieswhether the change of the distinctive indicator applies to all activedevices in the media group, to only the group 1702, or a specificdevice, such as device 1703 or an individual device of group 1702.

The media device 1701 then controls the media devices of the media groupto playback the second content based on the second content indicator.The media devices of the media group remain on the content correspondingto the displayed distinctive indicator. When the second distinctiveindicator identifies only changing a specific media device, only thespecific media device changes the playback content.

Although FIG. 17 illustrates an example process 1700 for adding a singledevice into a group, various changes could be made to FIG. 17. Forexample, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figurecould overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occurmultiple times.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example process 1800 for taking control of adevice currently playing alternative content according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. For example, the process 1800 depicted in FIG.18 may be performed by the electronic device 106-114 in FIG. 1 or theelectronic device 300 in FIG. 3. Device 1801 is referred to as a firstdevice and device 1802 is referred to as a second device.

In operations 1805-1811, the application 362 is controlling a device ora group 1802. In operations 1815-1842, the application is controllingplayback to the device or group 1802.

In operation 1805, the media device 1801 generates a unique indicatorcorresponding to selected content. In operation 1806, device or group1802 displays the unique indicator on the devices to indicateconnection.

In operation 1810, the media device 1801 sends a content URL andauthorization token to a target device, such as the device or group1802. In operation 1811, the group 1802 or device 1803 begins playbackof the selected content.

In operation 1815, the media device 1801 opens a device list and viewplayback targets or capabilities in the application 362.

In operation 1820, the media device 1801 receives indication that adevice 1803, which is outside the group 1802, is to also playback theselected content. The indication can be a button on the user interfaceof the application corresponding to the new device 1803. A new group canbe added in a similar fashion on the user interface for the application362.

In operation 1825, the media device 1801 requests control of device1803. In operation 1827, the device 1803 determines whether it isalready in use. If the device is not in use, the device 1803 displaysthe unique indicator in operation 1837 sent from the media device inoperation 1835. If the device 1803 is in use, the device 1803 requestsconfirmation of takeover in operation 1829.

In operation 1829, the device 1803 requests confirmation that the mediadevice 1801 wants to end device 1803 current session and assume control.In operation 1830, the media device 1801 confirms takeover of the device1803.

In operation 1835, the media device 1801 sends the unique indicator fromthe selected content to the new device 1803. In operation 1837, the newdevice 1803 displays the unique indicator to indicate connection to thegroup.

In operation 1840, the media device 1801 sends the content URL andauthorization token, which were previously sent to the group 1802, tothe new device 1803. In operation 1837, the device 1803 begins playbackof the selected content using user device 1801 master clock to syncplayback. In operation 1841, the media group 1802 controls the masterplayback clock.

Although FIG. 18 illustrates an example process 1800 for taking controlof a device currently playing alternative content, various changes couldbe made to FIG. 18. For example, while shown as a series of steps,various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur ina different order, or occur multiple times.

None of the description in this application should be read as implyingthat any particular element, step, or function is an essential elementthat must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subjectmatter is defined only by the claims. Moreover, none of the claims isintended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the exact words “means for”are followed by a participle.

1. A first media device associated with a media group comprising: atransceiver configured to transmit or receive signals, and a processorcoupled to the transceiver, the processor configured to: detect a secondmedia device that is not subscribed to the media group, based on thesignals; assign the detected second media device to the media group;determine a total amount of media devices in the media group and acurrent location for each of the media devices in the media group,including the second media device, before a multi-channel configurationfor the media group is decided; and recommend the multi-channelconfiguration based on the determined total amount of the media devicesand the current location for each of the media devices.
 2. The firstmedia device of claim 1, wherein to recommend the multi-channelconfiguration is further based upon: a content consumption capabilitysupported by the media devices in the media group, and a physicalstructure commonality between the media devices in the media group. 3.The first media device of claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: receive indication for playback of first content usingthe media group; and cause the media devices in the media group topresent a distinctive indicator.
 4. The first media device of claim 3,wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a signal from athird media device included in the media group indicating that a seconddistinctive indicator is selected on the third media device, wherein thesecond distinctive indicator identifies a second content and identifieswhether a change applies to the media group or only the third mediadevice; and cause the media devices of the media group to playback thefirst content or the second content based on the second distinctiveindicator, wherein remaining devices of the media devices of the mediagroup remain on content corresponding to the distinctive indicator whenthe second distinctive indicator is only applicable to the third mediadevice corresponding to the received signal.
 5. The first media deviceof claim 3, wherein the presented distinctive indicator is at least oneof: a color, a symbol, and a number.
 6. The first media device of claim1, wherein the processor is further configured to: query the mediadevices of the media group for playback capability or accessiblecontent; receive indication of the playback capability or accessiblecontent from the media devices; and display a user interface thatcorresponds with received indication of the playback capability oraccessible content of the media devices.
 7. The first media device ofclaim 6, wherein: the user interface includes audio controls when aspeaker is detected, and the user interface includes visual controlswhen a display is detected.
 8. A method for a media group management,comprising: detecting a media device that is not subscribed to a mediagroup; assigning the detected media device to the media group;determining a total amount of media devices in the media group and acurrent location for each of the media device in the media group,including the detected media device, before a multi-channelconfiguration for the media group is decided; and recommending themulti-channel configuration based on the determined total amount of themedia devices and the current location for each of the media devices. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein recommending the multi-channelconfiguration is further based upon: a content consumption capabilitysupported by the media devices in the media group, and a physicalstructure commonality between the media devices in the media group. 10.The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving indication forplayback of first content using the media group; and causing the mediadevices in the media group to present a distinctive indicator.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a signal from a thirdmedia device included in the media group indicating that a seconddistinctive indicator is selected on the third media device, wherein thesecond distinctive indicator identifies a second content and identifieswhether a change applies to the media group or only the third mediadevice; and causing the media devices of the media group to playback thefirst content or the second content based on the second distinctiveindicator, wherein remaining devices of the media devices of the mediagroup remain on content corresponding to the distinctive indicator whenthe second distinctive indicator is only applicable to the third mediadevice corresponding to the received signal.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the presented distinctive indicator is at least one of: a color,a symbol, and a number.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:querying the media devices of the media group for playback capability oraccessible content; receiving indication of the playback capability oraccessible content from the media devices; and displaying a userinterface that corresponds with received indication of the playbackcapability or accessible content of the media devices.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein: the user interface includes audio controls when aspeaker is detected, and the user interface includes visual controlswhen a display is detected.
 15. A non-transitory computer readablemedium embodying a computer program, the computer program comprisingcomputer readable program code that when executed causes at least oneprocessor to: detect a second media device that is not subscribed to amedia group; assign the detected second media device to the media group;determine a total amount of media devices in the media group and acurrent location for each of the media devices in the media group,including the second media device, before a multi-channel configurationfor the media group is decided; and recommend the multi-channelconfiguration based on the determined total amount of the media devicesand the current location for each of the media devices.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein torecommend the multi-channel configuration is further based upon: acontent consumption capability supported by the media devices in themedia group, and a physical structure commonality between the mediadevices in the media group.
 17. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the computer readable program code that whenexecuted further causes at least one processor to: receive indicationfor playback of first content using the media group; and cause the mediadevices in the media group to present a distinctive indicator.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein thecomputer readable program code that when executed further causes atleast one processor to: receive a signal from a third media deviceincluded in the media group indicating that a second distinctiveindicator is selected on the third media device, wherein the seconddistinctive indicator identifies a second content and identifies whethera change applies to the media group or only the third media device; andcontrol the media devices of the media group to playback the firstcontent or the second content based on the second distinctive indicator,wherein remaining devices of the media devices of the media group remainon content corresponding to the distinctive indicator when the seconddistinctive indicator is only applicable the third media devicecorresponding to the received signal.
 19. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 17, wherein the presented distinctive indicatoris at least one of: a color, a symbol, and a number.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein thecomputer readable program code that when executed further causes atleast one processor to: query the media devices of the media group forplayback capability or accessible content; receive indication of theplayback capability or accessible content from the media devices; anddisplay a user interface that corresponds with received indication ofthe playback capability or accessible content of the media devices.